We used my girlfiends camera. Nikon D200. It is a very hi-end camera, but you should be able to get the same "crisp" photos by using the macro setting on your cameral. I was able to soften the shadows in Photoshop by using the levels feature.
This is for images on a white background:
If you have Photoshop go to Image>Adjustments>Levels, or Ctrl+L.
There are 3 eyedropper icons on the right; 1 for black, grey and white. Choose the one for white, then click the outer part of the shadow in your image. You will see a big change instantly. You can work you way to the darker parts of the shadow, just keep clicking around until you find a look that you like.
What you are doing with the eyedropper is picking what part of the photo is white, Photoshop automatically will adjust the rest of the photo according to your selection.
Hope this helps.